The Victoriously God of Peace Subdued All Things

 “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭65‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The wolf and the lamb will graze side by side, and the lion will eat straw like the ox, and the serpent’s food will be dust. There will be neither violence nor murder on my entire holy mountain of Zion,” says YAHWEH.”  Isaiah prophesied how Christ subdued all things.  Man was made from dust.  The serpent feeds on whatever we withhold from God.  The devil’s dining room is the fallen human nature and the mind of the man who is not yielded to God.  Over time, the serpent feeds and grows into the great dragon.  This is what John, the beloved disciple, saw “So the great dragon was thrown down once and for all. He was the serpent, the ancient snake called the devil, and satan, who deceives the whole earth. He was cast down into the earth and his angels along with him.”  As Jesus told us,  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”  Let the words of our mouth and the meditations of our heart be the powerful Word of God.  Amen!

Believers Being Transformed Into Greater Glory

 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “We can all draw close to Him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into His very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit.” We are being transformed to reflect the glory of God through the renewing of the thoughts of our mind.  The source of our transformation is Christ’s glory and our destination is more glory!  This transforming glory is the result of gazing upon the beauty and splendour of Jesus Christ.  It is based on the triumph of Christ over every power of darkness and it diffuses the fragrant aroma of Christ everywhere.  This transforming glory never waters down the Word of God and produces living letters of Christ.  It is not based on the clever abilities of men but God’s empowering Presence in us, imparting Life flowing from the Holy Spirit.  Christ’s righteousness is continually imparted to us containing the greater glory than from the law, bringing the transfiguration of believers into greater levels of glory.  Hallelujah!

Enjoying our Personal Relationship with our Lord Jesus

 “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭64‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “These amazing things had never been heard of before; You did things never dreamed of! No one perceived Your greatness. No eye has ever seen a God like You, Who intervenes for those who wait and long for You!”  What Isaiah prophesied, John the beloved disciple saw and wrote, “We saw Him with our very own eyes. We gazed upon Him and heard Him speak. Our hands actually touched Him, the One Who was from the beginning, the Living Expression of God. This Life-Giver was made visible and we have seen Him. We testify to this truth: the eternal Life-Giver lived face-to-face with the Father and has now dawned upon us. So we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard about this Life-Giver so that we may share and enjoy this life together. For truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus, the Anointed One. We are writing these things to you because we want to release to you our fullness of joy.”  Our Lord and Master works on behalf of those who wait with trusting anticipation and longing for Him.  As Isaiah said earlier that those who wait upon the LORD renew their strength; they mount up with wings as eagles; they run, and are not weary; they walk, and do not faint.  Let’s be those who enjoy our personal relationship with the Lord.  Amen!

Presenting Ourselves Wholly to God through Christ

 “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “We have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of the Anointed One to God —a perfume of life to those being saved and the odor of death to those who are perishing. The unbelievers smell a deadly stench that leads to death, but believers smell the life-giving aroma that leads to abundant life. And who of us can rise to this challenge?”  We are Christ’s sweet fragrance of sacrifice that ascends to God, which is ready to be offered.  Whatever challenges we face, God empowers us to overcome by His Holy Spirit, because He empowers everyone He calls.  To all in the Church who have understood that Jesus was sacrificed on the Cross  for every sin we have committed, then we willingly sacrifice ourselves.  When unbelievers question that God knows everything and is everywhere and why should He judge me with this bad thing to me when I never did anything wrong?  We answer that my God took the judgment of all our sins on the Cross and in return blessed me so much!  Our proper response to God’s marvelous mercies is to surrender ourselves to God to be His sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights His heart. For this becomes our genuine expression of worship.  Amen!

The Majesty of Yeshua through The Cross

 “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭63‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Who is this coming from the city of Bozrah in Edom? He is dressed in garments of bright scarlet, robed in a garment dyed bright red, marching like a champion in his great power and might. “It is I! I am the one who announces righteousness, I am mighty and ready to save!”  Edom is a part of Jordan today.  Historically, Edom stood against God, and is a variant of Adam.  God triumphs over Adam by the crimson Blood of the Last Adam, Jesus Christ.  Edom typifies the flesh as against the spirit.  Isaiah sees the mystery Man coming on the road from Bozrah to Zion, clothed in crimson garments, having conquered His enemies, not  weary or faint, but He comes in the greatness of His strength.  This is the majestic Yeshua, mighty to save for those who come to Him in faith.  Alone, He conquered sin, death, satan, sickness, fear and the grave.  Isaiah’s focus prophetically is the finished work of Christ’s Cross. As Paul revealed, “Then Jesus made a public spectacle of all the powers and principalities of darkness, stripping away from them every weapon and all their spiritual authority and power to accuse us. And by the power of the Cross, Jesus led them around as prisoners in a procession of triumph. He was not their prisoner; they were His!”  Hallelujah!

God Who Comforts Us

 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “All praises belong to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For He is the Father of tender mercy and the God of endless comfort. He always comes alongside us to comfort us in every suffering so that we can come alongside those who are in any painful trial. We can bring them this same comfort that God has poured out upon us.”  Paul straightaway starts his epistle bursting into exuberant praise to God, Who had delivered him from all his painful ordeals.  Tender mercy and compassion originate with God.  As the kind Father Who has compassion on His children, God tenderly cares for each one of us.  When suffering comes our way, the God of mercy sustains us.  His comfort is permanent and endless.  As Micah the prophet said prophesying about the Messiah Jesus, “Who is a merciful God like You? Your grace wipes the slate clean of guilt and pardons the rebellion of the remnant of Your people. You don’t hold your anger against us forever, but You delight in showing faithful, tender love. Once more we ask: have tender mercy on us, tread our iniquities under Your feet, and hurl all our sins to the bottom of the sea.”  Through the mercy of the finished work of the Cross, God’s great comfort came to us.  Thank You, Jesus!

The Church’s Non-stop Intercession

 “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭62‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Jerusalem, I have stationed intercessors on your walls who will never be silent, day or night. You “reminders” of YAHWEH, take no rest,”. Because of Christ’s finished work on the Cross and us believers being in the new covenant, we take our responsibility seriously to intercede continually to remind God of His promises.  Like divine administrators, we remind God of the promises and appointments He must keep.  In the old covenant there were many priests who were prevented by death from continuing. But Christ, our Great High Priest continues forever, because He has an unchangeable Priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He Who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  Amen!

Building Disciples Up in Christ

 “Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s instruction was, “When Timothy arrives, make sure that he feels at home while he’s with you, for he’s advancing the Lord’s work just as I am. Don’t let anyone disparage or look down on him, but kindly help him on his way with financial support so that he may come back to me, for I am waiting for him and the brothers to return.”  Paul was always building up his disciples especially Timothy whom he called as his son and colleague in ministry.  Paul said that Timothy was Rock-solid in faith, who reminded other disciples of Paul’s specific message and emphasis.  Paul’s specific message was the finished work of the Cross of Christ and he taught the ‘in Christ’ and ‘Christ is in you’ Gospel in every place and every church he visited.  Paul wanted everyone to respect Timothy, not to underrate him, but to honour him by providing for him.  Paul eagerly looked forward to welcoming Timothy and the team back again.  Paul recognised the personal love that Jesus had for him and received it with gratitude and humility, passing it on to his disciples who were actually Jesus’s disciples.  We can learn much from Paul to flow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to build others up to be strong disciples too.  Amen!

The Anointing of the Anointed One

 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “The mighty Spirit of Lord YAHWEH is wrapped around Me because YAHWEH has anointed Me, as a messenger to preach good news to the poor. He sent Me to heal the wounds of the brokenhearted, to tell captives, “You are free,” and to tell prisoners, “Be free from your darkness.”  Messiah means the Anointed One in Hebrew and Christ in Greek.  Our Lord Jesus spoke these words at the start of His “jubilee” ministry to Israel.  This was to open the door of grace to the world and to proclaim the day of vengeance coming on sin, darkness, sickness and eventually the “goat” nations.  The Messiah came: as a Prophet to preach the new season of grace; as a Priest to heal; and as a King to decree and herald peace and freedom to the captives. As Dr. Luke recorded, “Jesus of Nazareth was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with great power. He did wonderful things for others and divinely healed all who were under the tyranny of the devil, for God had anointed Him.”  Let’s worship our Messiah.  Amen!

Christ’s Life in Us to Fulfil Christ’s Purpose

 “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭45‬, ‭47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “For it is written: The first man, Adam, became a living soul. The last Adam became the life-giving Spirit. The first man was from the dust of the earth; the second Man is YAHWEH, from the realm of heaven.”  Paul powerfully explains that the Last Adam is Jesus Christ.  As the Last Adam, He ended Adam’s race and began a new species of humans who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and carry the life of Christ within them.  In God’s eyes there are only two men, Adam and Christ.  Every human being is a copy of one or the other.  To be in Adam is to be lost and merely human, but to be in Christ is to be wrapped into the Anointed One as one who carries the Life of Christ within.  Just as Jesus now has an earthly body transformed into a spiritual body, so we will have our bodies transformed into heavenly bodies.  What a glorious future we have, as we fulfil our purpose here on earth with the Life of Christ within us.  Amen!

The Church Shines God’s Light to the Nations

 “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, ““Rise up in splendor and be radiant, for your light has dawned, and YAHWEH’s glory now streams from you!”  Isaiah is calling upon the light of the new day to break forth.  All that Christ has done through the finished work of the Cross in believers, is designed to make us a mature Church for His pleasure, until we become a source of praise to Him—glorious and radiant, beautiful and holy, without fault or flaw.  Jesus is the Light that shines upon the Church, and the light of the Church shining upon the nations.  That’s what Jesus told us, “Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light.”  This is God’s Light that has risen like a sunrise upon us - the Church - like a glorious New Day.  Now the Church has to shine God’s Light in us upon the nations.  May we do our part.  Amen!

God’s Purpose is to Build His Church

 “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?”

1 Corinthians 14:4-6 KJV

‭‭Paul’s revelation, “The one who speaks in tongues advances his own spiritual progress, while the one who prophesies builds up the Church. I would be delighted if you all spoke in tongues, but I desire even more that you impart prophetic revelation to others. Greater gain comes through the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless there is interpretation so that it builds up the entire Church. Dear friends, what good is it if I come to you always speaking in tongues? But if I come with a clear revelation from God, or with insight, or with a prophecy, or with a clear teaching, I can enrich you.” The One Who speaks through us when speaking in tongues, is the Holy Spirit Who empowers us in our human frailty and weakness. Many times we don’t know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.  The purpose of God through each individual is to build the Church.    That’s why each believer must have the personal and intimate experience with our Lord to know how He is leading us.  If we have the know-it-all attitude of condescension, we will be unfruitful.  Every congregation needs to focus on: the revelation of God; the insights of truth; the prophecy; the teaching and building up.  All these are necessary today for the Church to be built up and effective and the powerhouse that God wants it to be.  Amen!

God is For Us, None can Stand Against Us

 “So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭59‬:‭19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “From the west to the lands of the rising sun, the glory and the Name of YAHWEH will be held in highest reverence, for He will break in as a flooding, rushing river driven on by the breath of YAHWEH!”  God breaks into the human condition as a Man Who died on the Cross.  His Blood, like a flood of righteousness, washes away the sins of those who believe in Him.  When the enemy comes in, the Spirit of Yahweh, His Breath, like a flood will put him to flight. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the enemy.  Jesus told us that He has given us His authority to trample over satan’s kingdom. We will trample upon every demon before us and overcome every power satan possesses. Absolutely nothing will harm us as we walk in this authority.  It is God Who fights our battles when we put our trust in Him. When God has determined to stand with us, who then could ever stand against us?  Amen!

The Demonstration of God’s Intense Love on the Cross

 “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “If I were to speak with eloquence in earth’s many languages, and in the heavenly tongues of angels, yet I didn’t express myself with love, my words would be reduced to the hollow sound of nothing more than a clanging cymbal.”  There are more than seven thousand languages spoken in the world and the angels in heaven have a distinct language among themselves that is not known on earth!  Should we know many earthly languages and have no love, we’re just making a noise.  This love originates in God Who is Love, and it means a burning, fiery love that sets on fire.  It comes from the inner depths of the heart of the Eternal One.  This love energy is the active power of bonding hearts and lives in secure relationships.  This agapé love is of the highest form which God has for His people.  It is an intense affection that must be demonstrated.  It is a loyal, endless and unconditional commitment of love.  Feelings are attached to this love.  It is not abstract, but devoted to demonstrating the inward feelings of love toward another with acts of kindness and benevolence.  May we understand that the love of God which He wants us to be in is not just verbal but it is action too.  This is the love Jesus showed for all humanity on the Cross - not just words but in action too.  Amen!

The Responsibility of Believers in Christ on How to Reign

 “and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noon day:”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “and if you offer yourselves in compassion for the hungry and relieve those in misery, then your dawning light will rise in the darkness and your gloom will turn into noonday splendor!”  Jesus offered Himself to us, so we should offer ourselves in compassion for others.  In the last days, God wants us to banish every form of oppression in our lives, churches and society.  God wants us to remove scornful accusation and criticism of others and their ministries, and forbids us to spread malicious slander.  God desires us to have compassion for the poor and disenfranchised and comfort those enduring suffering and tragedy.  Then God promises multiple blessings that will come - our influence and spiritual light will increase in our communities; discouragement and gloom will disappear from our lives; God will give us specific guidance and counsel to know what to do and where to go; He will fill us with renewing grace even when we are surrounded by difficult situations; our spiritual lives will flourish like a lush garden with fruit and beauty; we will not cease to be an ever-flowing source of blessing to others; we will be given God’s grace to rebuild lives and institutions in our cities, churches and nations; we will take up the legacy of our spiritual fathers and build on their foundations; we will have a testimony of healing cities; we will restore well-being in our communities.  May we flow in God’s glory to reign on earth.  Amen!

Christ’s Body on Earth

 “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “Just as the human body is one, though it has many parts that together form one body, so too is Christ. For by one Spirit we all were immersed and mingled into one single body. And no matter our status—whether we are Jews or non-Jews, oppressed or free—we are all privileged to drink deeply of the same Holy Spirit.”  Christ is now a Body with many parts.  The Human Body of Jesus is glorified and enthroned in heaven.  So also the Body of Christ.  We are co-enthroned with Him but we continue to exist on earth to represent Him to the world.  We were baptised into the Body of Christ when we came into a personal relationship with Christ.  He gave us a new birth; He came to dwell in us; He places us as a member of Christ’s Body on the earth; He seals us as the possession of Christ until the redemption of our human body.  We drink deeply of the Holy Spirit and it is the same as receiving His power and gifts until rivers of Living Waters flow from the inside of us.  Amen!

Believers in Christ Inherit & Possess Mount Zion

 “When thou criest, let thy companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them: but he that putteth his trust in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain; and shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumblingblock out of the way of my people. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭57‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Let’s see if your pantheon of idols can save you when you cry out! They will be blown away by the wind; merely a breath will carry them off! But whoever makes Me a hiding place will possess the land and inherit My holy mountain.” YAHWEH says, “Let the people return to Me.  Build! Build up the road, clear the way, and get it ready! Remove every obstacle from their path.” For this is what the high and majestic One says, the One Who fills the eternal realm with glory, Whose Name is Holy: “I dwell in high and holy places but also with the bruised and lowly in spirit, those who are humble and quick to repent. I dwell with them to revive the spirit of the humble, to revive the heart of those who are broken over their sin.”  This holy mountain is Mount Zion which the believer inherits today in the Kingdom of God.  This glory is the Shekinah which God fills eternity with.  This blessing comes to those who are humble and in whom  gentleness dwells and who inherit the earth and whose crooked path is made straight!  We have this Shekinah because we have believed in Jesus Who established a new covenant with His Blood sprinkled upon the mercy seat.  Amen!

Our Reverence for Christ’s Sacrifice

 “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “For continually eating and drinking with a wrong spirit will bring judgment upon yourself by not recognizing the body. This insensitivity is why many of you are weak, chronically ill, and some even dying. If we have examined ourselves, we should not be judged.” To partake of the Lord’s Body and Blood casually, irreverently or as a mindless routine, is to bring damnation upon ourselves.  To properly discern the Lord’s Body which was beaten and bruised for our healing, would mean to not be weak, sick or die prematurely.  We cannot be indifferent or underestimate what happened on the Cross, as we examine ourselves.  We cannot forget that we have been crucified with Christ.  We are freed from God’s judgement because as Paul explains, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  Hallelujah!

Christ Our Sabbath Rest

 “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭56‬:‭2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “Blessed is the one who will faithfully keep his commitment. Yes, blessed is the one who honors the Sabbath and does not disregard it, and the one who keeps their hands from doing evil.”  For believers today, our Sabbath is now a Man, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We have entered into the seventh day from Adam.  As Peter explained, “So, dear friends, don’t let this one thing escape your notice: a single day counts like a thousand years to the Lord YAHWEH, and a thousand years counts as one day.”  Now we enter into the rest of the finished work of the Cross.  We cease from our own labours and enter into His Sabbath rest.  “For it says in the Scriptures, And on the seventh day God rested from all His works. For God still has ordained a day for us to enter into called “Today.” For it was long afterwards that God repeated it in David’s words, “If only today you would listen to His voice and do not harden your hearts!” So we conclude that there is still a full and complete Sabbath-rest waiting for believers to experience. As we enter into God’s faith-rest life we cease from our own works, just as God celebrates His finished works and rests in them.”  Amen!

God’s Faithfulness through the Cross of Christ

 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.”  God’s faithfulness and grace will limit the severity of every test and prevent you from being tested beyond your ability to cope.  Unlimited grace is available for every believer who faces hardship, temptations and seasons of difficulty.  Trusting in God’s faithfulness is the way of escape that empowers us to overcome every difficulty we may experience.  We are not told that every difficulty will be removed from our lives, but that God’s grace provides an exit path.  God bears up under us to take us out of danger - that’s the way of escape so that we are empowered to endure it.  That is to say that God’s faithfulness gives us both the way of escape and the power to endure.  This has been made possible for us only because Jesus delivered us through the Cross.  What a faithful God we have.  Amen!

Jesus Christ - God’s Word

 “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “As the snow and rain that fall from heaven do not return until they have accomplished their purpose, soaking the earth and causing it to sprout with new life, providing seed to sow and bread to eat. So also will be the word that I speak; it does not return to Me unfulfilled. My Word performs My purpose and fulfills the mission I sent it out to accomplish.”  Snow is a picture of mercy blanketing the earth and rain is a symbol of revelation-teaching that soaks the heart, which is the soil, and makes us fruitful.  Snow, rain, water, seed, bread - all describe the Lord Jesus.  He is the Seed of the woman; He is the Living Bread that came down from heaven; He is the Word that was the Sent One, the Apostle of our faith.  He will accomplish all God’s pleasure.  God’s Word is His promise to show love, compassion and forgiveness to all who turn to Him.  It is God’s Word that makes our way prosperous.  God’s Word is powerful.  Let’s believe it.  Amen!

Motivated to Share Christ with Others

 “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “I became “weak” to the weak to win the weak. I have adapted to the culture of every place I’ve gone so that I could more easily win people to Christ. I’ve done all this so that I would become God’s partner for the sake of the Gospel.”  Paul adapted culturally wherever he ministered, becoming all things to all different kinds of people.  His motivating principles were: that he always started by finding common ground with those he wanted to reach; he avoided projecting to others that he was a know-it-all; he accepted others regardless of his or her issues; Paul was sensitive to the culture of others; he used every opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with people.  Paul so rejoiced in his personal relationship with the Lord Jesus, that he needed to share the Gospel with others!  May each one of us who have a personal relationship with our Lord and Master Jesus, that we will be excited to share with others of Who Jesus is and win many souls to Christ.  Amen!

The Body of Christ & the Glorious Bride of Christ

 “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “But I promise you, no weapon meant to hurt you will succeed, and you will refute every accusing word spoken against you. This promise is the inheritance of YAHWEH’s servants, and their vindication is from me,” says YAHWEH.”  Every accusation against the Blood-bought children of God is condemned.  In the previous chapter, Isaiah prophesied of the Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ: His humiliation, His death, and the glory that followed.  Here we find the Servant has become many servants, a corporate Body of believers.  The Son has become sons.  The fulfilment of this prophecy is the corporate Church, the Body of Christ, and the glorious Bride of Jesus Christ.  This Bride has been vindicated and secured the righteousness of God Himself through the precious sacrifice - the Blood of the Lamb of God.  Amen!

Passionately Loving God to Know Him

 “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation, “Now let me address the issue of food offered in sacrifice to idols. It seems that everyone believes his own opinion is right on this matter. How easily we get puffed up over our opinions! But love builds up the structure of our new life. If anyone thinks of himself as a know-it-all, he still has a lot to learn. But if a person passionately loves God, he will possess the knowledge of God.”  We all have knowledge that makes a person look important, but it is only through love that we reach our full maturity.  To put it simply, “love builds up.”  It builds up our lives, our churches, our families, and others.  Love is the most powerful substance for building what will last forever.  Everything else is of no value when there is no love - the God kind of love that is unconditional and knows no boundaries.  This is our hope.  “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit Who was given to us.”  We trust in the love God has for us. God is love! Those who are living in love are living in God, and God lives through them.  Let’s passionately love God so that we may know Him.  Amen!

Only the Lord Jesus Christ

 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV

Isaiah prophesied, “Like wayward sheep, we have all wandered astray. Each of us has turned from God’s paths and chosen our own way; even so, YAHWEH laid the guilt of our every sin upon Him.”  Like wandering sheep, we have been self-deceived into waywardness.  See the mercy of the Godhead that the LORD interceded within Himself to orchestrate our salvation.  This entire chapter has such detail of the last hours of Jesus Christ, that it’s almost as if Isaiah was standing at the foot of the Cross and writing.  But it was written more than seven hundred years before the Cross and stated in the past tense as though this event had already happened.  There is no other person who could possibly fulfil all of Isaiah’s prophecy except the Lord Jesus Christ.  As Peter puts it, “In fact, you were called to live this way, because Christ also suffered in your place, leaving you His example for you to follow. He never sinned and He never spoke deceitfully. When He was verbally abused, He did not return with an insult; when He suffered, He would not threaten retaliation. Jesus faithfully entrusted Himself into the hands of God, Who judges righteously. He Himself  carried our sins in His body on the Cross so that we would be dead to sin and live for righteousness. Our instant healing flowed from His wounding.”  Thank You, Jesus!

The Faith of a Believing Spouse Makes a Difference

 “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The revelation to Paul, “For the unbelieving husband has been made holy by his believing wife. And the unbelieving wife has been made holy by her believing husband by virtue of his or her sacred union to a believer. Otherwise, the children from this union would be unclean, but in fact, they are holy.”  By implication, Paul is making the point that in marriages where one is a believer and one an unbeliever, the spouses should remain together, for the righteous faith of a believer makes the marriage holy.  Apparently, because of their desire to serve Christ, some believing Corinthians who had pagan spouses thought it best to divorce them and find believing spouses.  Paul corrects that error and affirms the marriage covenant.  In the old covenant, the entire family came into covenant with God.  Therefore, the children of even one believing parent are set apart for God.  God never forces or intimidates anyone to believe in Him.  God fully respects the free will He has given to all humans.  Let the faith of the believing spouse make the difference and bring the soul to Christ.  Amen!

Christ our Sin Bearer and His Resurrected Glory

 “Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭52‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, ““Look! My Servant will prosper and succeed! He will be highly honored, raised up, and greatly exalted!”  Apart from the four Gospels, Isaiah from this section onwards gives the greatest description of the life, crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Although up till now, Isaiah prophesied Jesus as our true Prophet, Teacher and Victorious Redeemer, it was without telling of His death on the Cross.  But from this portion onwards, it is the prophecy about the Suffering Servant and Sin-Bearer Who died for us, and the glory that followed.  This is the obvious reference to Jesus Who was raised from the dead and highly exalted at the right hand of God. As Peter said, “This salvation was the focus of the prophets who prophesied of this outpouring of grace that was destined for us who believe.  They made a careful search and investigation of the meaning of their God-given prophecies as they probed into the mysteries of who would fulfill them and the time period when it would all take place. The Spirit of the Anointed One was in them and was pointing prophetically to the sufferings that Christ was destined to suffer and the glories that would be released afterward.”  Thank You, Jesus!

The Supremacy of the in Christ Church

 “Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation is, “For surely you know that we will one day judge angels, let alone these everyday matters. Don’t you realize that you are bringing your issues before civil judges appointed by people who have no standing within the Church? What a shame that there is not one within the Church who has the spirit of wisdom who could arbitrate these disputes and reconcile the offended parties!”  Paul disciplines the Church, which is the Body of Christ!  Church is translated from Greek “Ekklesia” which means a “governing body”, that is meant to promote the welfare of a city.  This means that the Church has wisdom and leadership to govern and bring blessing to a city.  The Church is to govern and judge the angelic realm.  Our position in Christ is higher than the angels - they are servants, we are sons - and sons rule over servants.  The Church is supremely higher than the world system and must have believers who discern, sift, weigh and judge everyday matters within the Church.  Let’s cooperate in the Body of Christ to fulfil God’s plan of doing things the superior way, because of our identity in Christ, rather than depending on the world system.  We are a supernatural people.  Amen!

Our Joyous Fulfilment in Christ

 “My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51‬:‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied, “My righteousness is coming closer, and My salvation has gone out. My mighty arms will govern the people. The islands will trust in Me and put their hope in the unveiling of My might.”  God’s righteousness, God’s salvation and God’s mighty arms are the three pictures of Jesus Christ.  Jesus is the hope for God’s mighty arm of power. No one lives to himself and no one dies to himself.  Only the Gospel of Christ is our greatest hope and is the fulfillment of the age that has come! It is time for God’s Kingdom to be experienced in its fullness! Let’s turn our lives back to God and put our trust in this hope-filled Gospel where Jesus became sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Him.  The angel told Joseph, “She will give birth to a Son, and you shall name Him Jesus (The LORD is salvation), for He will save His people from their sins.” This is the unveiling and the celebration of the hope we have that we having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we celebrate in hope of the glory of God.  What a joyous fulfilment is our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen!

Discipline of Behaviour in the Church

 “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Paul’s revelation was, “So call a meeting, and when you gather together in the Name of our Lord Jesus, and you know my spirit is present with you in the infinite power of our Lord Jesus, release this man over to satan for the destruction of his rebellious flesh, in hope that his spirit may be rescued and restored in the day of the Lord.”  God had given Paul the exceptional ability to have his spirit present, along with the power of God, in their meetings together.  The meaning of satan is the “accusing adversary”.  When a person is put out of the fellowship of the church family, the accuser has access to harass and oppress.  There is a blessed protection in the fellowship of God’s people, for the Lord is present with us when we gather in His Name.  This man who was delivered to the accuser suffered the consequences of his actions to learn the lesson the hard way.  It is not a light thing to be handed over to satan.  We learn from a later letter that the man did repent and the church forgave and comforted him.  Discipline and correction is necessary in the church so that we are purified to live holy.  God chastens those whom He loves.  Amen!

The Precise Prophetic Word for Christ

 “The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back. I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭50‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Isaiah prophesied about the Lord Jesus Christ seven hundred years before, with complete precision.  “The Lord YAHWEH has equipped Me with the anointed, skillful tongue of a teacher — to know how to speak a timely word to the weary. Morning by morning, He awakens My heart. He opens My ears to hear His voice, to be trained to teach. The Lord YAHWEH has opened My ear, and I did not resist; I did not rebel. I offered My back to those who flogged Me and My cheek to those who tore out My beard. I never hid My face from demeaning insults or from those who spit on Me.”  The Lord Jesus Christ while on earth, repeatedly said that He spoke only what the Father gave Him to say.  What is easier - to put our trust in hand-made idols to save us, or to believe in the God Who came down from heaven to die so that He would rise again and set mankind free from sin through His Own Blood Sacrifice?   Let’s believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Living God.  Amen!